Human capital investment key to Nigeria's economic growth -- FG

By Admin

 The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in health, education, nutrition and skills development, describing human capital as the bedrock of Nigeria's economic growth and sustainable national development.

Speaking at the Human Capital Development Summit for Northern Nigeria in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said Nigeria's greatest asset is its people. He stressed that unlocking the country's demographic dividend will require sustained investment in building a healthier, better educated and more productive population.

Pate said investment in people is every bit as important as investment in roads, power and other physical infrastructure, noting that better health, quality education and stronger skills development are essential to boosting productivity, reducing poverty and improving Nigeria's competitiveness in the global economy.

The minister highlighted key reforms being implemented under the Presidential Renewed Hope Agenda that includes expanded investments in primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, health workforce development, tertiary healthcare infrastructure, domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, digital transformation and stronger sector governance through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).

Pate acknowledged that the country's human capital challenges are not uniform, noting that they vary across regions. Even so, he maintained that closing those gaps is essential to achieving equitable national development.

Further, he said that while the Federal Government is leading reforms across the health sector, lasting progress will depend on stronger collaboration with state and local governments. Their investments and commitment to implementation, he said, remain critical to improving health, education and broader social outcomes.

He urged subnational governments to prioritise initiatives that improve learning outcomes, strengthen primary healthcare and expand opportunities for women and young people. Such investments, he said, will help build healthier and more productive communities that can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's long-term development.

Pate reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to reforms aimed at saving lives, reducing physical and financial hardship, strengthening the nation's health system and advancing collaborative investments in human capital to improve the well-being of all Nigerians.